Early Years and School Age Navigation
2025-11-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-19 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Caring for little ones with extra support needs is marked by joy, fear, and overwhelm, usually all in the same day! Navigating the toddler and preschool years or if the school years are on the horizon, can be a uniquely challenging time. Join Cari Rawling, (ECE/parent), and Heather Beach (parent), for supportive sessions on Navigating the Early Years. We are here to listen, provide resources, and create a safe place to discuss the parenting experience of young children with diverse abilities.
Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY
REGISTER HERE

What's holding us back? The future of inclusive education in Canada
2025-11-05 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
16th Annual National Policy Forum on Inclusion
This year’s policy forum will be a 3-part virtual series exploring the realities of inclusive education in Canada. The series will bring together self-advocates, family members, educators, and policy experts. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities says that people with disabilities have a right to an inclusive education at all levels. We will explore what gets in the way of these rights in Canada and highlight examples of how we can overcome these barriers together.
Format: 3-part virtual event via Zoom webinar. The forum will include a series of panels and interactive Question & Answer periods. Panels include perspectives of lived experience from people with an intellectual disability and families, as well as research and policy expertise from community organizations and educators.
Your ticket gives you access to all 3 sessions

Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern

A recording of the event will be provided to everyone who registers.
The forum will be held in English. Simultaneous French interpretation and English and French CART will be provided.
Important: ASL and LSQ will be available upon request. Please identify that you require ASL or LSQ when you register, and no later than October 28, 2025. ASL and LSQ interpreters are in high demand. It’s important to us that community members have access to interpreters in their daily lives for things like medical appointments, education, and legal processes. Understanding that access to interpretation is a valuable and limited resource, we will book interpretation only when a need for them is identified.
To help us provide an accessible event, please indicate your accommodation needs when you register.
For questions about this event, please contact: forum@inclusioncanada.ca

RE/MEMBERING: Zine’ing Loss & Grief
2025-11-05 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-12 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-19 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Vancouver Hospice Society, 4615 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, Canada
The Vancouver Hospice Society is hosting a 6-week in-person support group for young adults aged 18-29 who are grieving the death of a person. The support group will explore zine-making as a creative outlet for processing grief and loss, based on guided reflection prompts within a space of shared connection. A zine (from “magazine”) is a mini self-created booklet made for a small circle of distribution.
Open to Vancouver residents Virtual Orientation: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5:30–7:00 PM In-person Sessions: Wednesdays, 5:30–8:30 PMOct. 15, 22, 29 & Nov. 5, 12, 19
Registration is required. To register, please send an email to counselling@vancouverhospice.org

Aging Caregivers
2025-11-05 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-19 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
We cannot slow the aging process in ourselves or in the people we care for! As we get older, our ability to care for our family member becomes more and more difficult. Planning our own future, and the future of our loved ones can be a terrifying process. Will we be able to provide the necessary care? Will they be well cared for in the future, after we are gone? What can we do to make the future easier? Connecting with other families in similar situations is the best way to problem solve and figure out what will work best for our specific situations. Join our call with other “mature” parents and caregivers and we can problem solve together!

Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

16th Annual National Policy Forum on Inclusion
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Virtual Event
What’s holding us back? The future of inclusive education in Canada
3-part virtual event via Zoom webinar
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern
This year’s policy forum will be a 3-part virtual series exploring the realities of inclusive education in Canada. The series will bring together self-advocates, family members, educators, and policy experts. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities says that people with disabilities have a right to an inclusive education at all levels. We will explore what gets in the way of these rights in Canada and highlight examples of how we can overcome these barriers together.
Format: 3-part virtual event via Zoom webinar. The forum will include a series of panels and interactive Question & Answer periods. Panels include perspectives of lived experience from people with an intellectual disability and families, as well as research and policy expertise.
Register now!

Learn about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a savings plan that can help someone with disabilities to save for their long-term financial security. Individuals must have the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to be eligible. Want to learn more about opening an RDSP account? Check out our RDSP Toolkit, or attend an info webinar by Plan Institute!

Substance Use and the Power of Support
2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-11-18 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Connection and relationship can make a difference in substance use and addiction. Guy Felicella, a renowned advocate and international speaker who has overcome a two-decade substance use disorder, passionately promotes harm reduction, trauma therapy, and faster access to treatment using his story of resilience and recovery. Learn how we can show care not just for our kids, but for the broader community impacted by substance use disorder.
Join us and other families for this video presentation and discussion that’s facilitated by a FamilySmart Family Peer Support Worker.
12:00pm-1:30 pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
1:00pm-2:30 pm Mountain Time (Alberta)
These events are funded for parents and caregivers living in the Province of British Columbia and for CASA families in Alberta. If you are from another province or territory, or live outside of Canada, we welcome you to visit our video library at www.familysmart.ca/videos and use our resources. Thank you .
REGISTER HERE

Empowering Families through Knowledge and Connection
2025-11-07 - 2025-11-08 | Sportsplex, 1800 S Alder St., Campbell River, BC, V9W 7J1, Canada
Families from the Campbell River area will gather for two days of learning and connecting. You will learn ways to strengthen your advocacy and access resources to help build a good life for your loved one with a disability. You will join other families in sharing knowledge and developing community support. Sessions will cover topics such as self-determination, advocacy, and future planning – session details will be released in the summer

Cost: FREE – Financial support is available for travel, child care or other expenses (see details and application after the program description)
When: November 7 & 8, 2025
Where: Sportsplex – 1800 S Alder St, Campbell River, BC V9W 7J1
Who: Families and caregivers living in and near Campbell River who support loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Register Here

Armstrong/Online: Attend this professional opportunity on grief and loss
2025-11-10 09:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Sage Cottage, Armstrong BC, 9931 Cathedral Drive, Vernon, BC, V1B 3Y9, Canada
This is a one-day workshop for professionals who work with children, youth and families. The workshop offers practical tools, insights, and approaches on supporting young clients navigating experiences of grief and loss. Attend in-person in Armstrong, BC in November, or virtually in December.
Location:
Sage Cottage | Armstrong, BC
Monday, November 10, 2025, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Virtual workshop:
Monday, December 8, 2025, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Mother's Mental Health Toolkit
2025-11-12 10:00 - 2025-12-17 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Quadra Village Community Centre, 901 Kings Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada
Mother’s Mental Health Toolkit group will begin on Wednesday Nov.12th and run until Dec 17th from 10am-12pm. Lunch will be served 12-1pm. If you would like to attend this group, contact Sue at families@quadravillagecc.com ASAP as there is great interest in this group and only 12 spaces. Please note that you must be available to attend ALL 6 sessions.
MORE INFO HERE

Joy of Music - by West Coast Reach Association
2025-11-13 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | McTavish Academy of Art (Gymnasium), 1720 McTavish Rd, North Saanich, BC, V8L 5T9, Canada
A lively, monthly music program for those with diverse-abilities (and their caregivers). – On the second Thursday morning each month at McTavish Academy of Art in North Saanich. For more detailed information see below. Questions? – Call 250-882-4339 or send us a an email message addressed to: westcoastreach@gmail.com (or click on the following button.

Download Flyer Here

Understanding ADHD for Adults
2025-11-13 17:30 - 2025-11-27 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
ADHD impacts all areas of life, and understanding is a pivotal starting point for moving forward.
This program is designed for those who are newly diagnosed and are embarking on a personal journey of self-discovery.
PLEASE NOTE: This program is not a webinar and requires your active participation to fully benefit from it. Sessions will not be recorded to protect your privacy.
Join us to unravel the complexities of Adult ADHD in an interactive, supportive, and collaborative environment.
After this program you should be able to:

Understand the wide range of Adult ADHD symptoms.
Become aware of how ADHD can impact various aspects of life.
Take proactive steps to explore non-medication approaches to managing ADHD.
Identify how ADHD medications work and how they can improve daily functioning.
Access resources that can bring positive changes to lives of people with ADHD

Facilitated by Dr. Gurdeep Parhar (MD) and Dr. Anita Parhar (PhD), this program draws from their extensive knowledge gained through years of dedicated work at the Adult ADHD Centre. Dr. Gurdeep Parhar and Dr. Anita Parhar bring a wealth of clinical and practical insights through the cumulative experience of over 15,000 patient experiences, which is the foundation of this program.
Begins Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 3 weeks
Dates: November 13, 20 & 27, 2025
Time: 5:30pm PST/ 6:30pm MST/ 8:30pm – 10pm EST/ 9:30pm AST
Where: Virtual on Zoom
Please note that this program is refundable up to 48hrs before the program starts. As of November 11th, the registration fee is non-refundable. Thank you for your understanding.
Facilitators: Dr. Gurdeep Parhar & Dr. Anita Parhar
Fee: $30 + HST

Please note that this program will be offered in January, March, September and November every year. This program is a good intro to ADHD prior to taking our Adult ADHD Group Coaching programs.
Please note that this program is refundable up to 48hrs before the program starts. Once the program begins, registration fee is non-refundable. Thank you for your understanding.

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2025-11-13 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Learning that our kids are using substances can be scary. Our fears about substance use can affect how we react. Learn with us while Victoria Keddis hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator of Island Health’s Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs. This is a beginning conversation to help parents self-reflect on how they show up to talk to their kids about their substance use.
Join us and other families for this video presentation and discussion that’s facilitated by a FamilySmart Family Peer Support Worker.
6:30pm-8:00pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
7:30pm-9:00pm Mountain Time (Alberta)
These events are funded for parents and caregivers living in the Province of British Columbia and for CASA families in Alberta. If you are from another province or territory, or live outside of Canada, we welcome you to visit our video library at www.familysmart.ca/videos and use our resources. Thank you.
REGISTER HERE

Healthy Boundaries
2025-11-13 18:30 - 2025-12-18 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Men’s Therapy Center, 301-3491 Saanich Rd., Victoria, BC, V8X 1W8, Canada
Learn to foster mutual respect and strengthen your family dynamic by setting effective boundaries in a single-parent household.

Welcoming City Community Conversation: Community Leadership & Belonging
2025-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC, V8T 1G6, Canada
Overview

Who leads? Who belongs? How do we open doors for more voices? How can we make civic spaces more accessible?

Who leads? Who belongs? How do we open doors for more voices? How can we make civic spaces more accessible?
Hosted by the City of Victoria’s Welcoming City Advisory Committee in partnership with the Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network (CREAN), this Welcoming City Community Conversation explores what leadership and belonging means in community spaces. This conversation builds upon the Welcoming City Standards and Strategy.
The evening will open with guest speaker Lindsay Katsitsakatste Delaronde, the first Indigenous Artist in Residence for the City of Victoria (2017–2019). Her work centers on Indigenous theatre, collaborative practice, cultural resurgence, and social and political activism through the arts.
A facilitated group discussion will follow, inviting community members to share experiences and ideas for shaping more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible civic spaces.
Light refreshments provided by Stir It Up (Caribbean food).
For accessibility accommodations, please email: zara@creansociety.org

All Abilities Open Mic Coffee House
2025-11-15 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | All Abilities Coffee House, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada
All abilities open mic coffee house
– Including Open Mic, guest performers, karaoke and singalong. Music, spoken word, comedy…all welcome!

Our featured guest performer on Oct. 18th is SEAN McCOOL from the band “Soul Shakers”.

DECLUTTER YOUR LIFE Group Coaching
2025-11-16 13:00 - 2025-11-30 15:30 (America/Toronto) | Virtual Event
The decluttering coaching group meets weekly for 2.5 hours of learning but mostly doing the work under the supervision of an experienced Professional Organizer and ADHD Coach.

Learn to declutter in an ADHD friendly way
Foster a growth mindset while having fun with a community that gets it.
Get your hands dirty decluttering while on the call.
Offered year-round.
Join anytime!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Issues of Substance Conference
2025-11-17 - 2025-11-19 | Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 0E6, Canada
CCSA’s Issues of Substance is the flagship event of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), an organization that addresses issues related to substance use and addiction that affect the health and safety of Canadians.
The biennial event is Canada’s only national conference that brings together addiction workers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, knowledge brokers, and people with direct or indirect, lived or living experience with substance use or a substance use disorders from across the country.
CCSA’s Issues of Substance is unique because this three-day event provides an unparalleled opportunity to share new research and best practices, network with peers, and receive practical training related to substance use and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery.

How to Register
Register for our Issues of Substance 2025 conference through the CCSA registration portal, beginning Tuesday, April 8.
Registration Fees
All registrants (including students) are entitled to:

Attend all sessions, and
Three full breakfasts, three lunches and break refreshments.

Early-Bird Registration Fee
Pay only $1,150 if you register online by Friday, September 19 at 11:59 p.m. EDT!
Regular Registration Fee
Pay $1,295 between Saturday, September 20 and Thursday, November 6 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
You can also complete and pay for your registration in-person, at the regular rate, beginning Sunday, November 16 (if spaces are still available).
Student Registration Fee
Student registration fee: $595
To register at the student rate, provide proof of your full-time enrolment as an undergraduate, master’s or doctoral student at a Canadian higher education institution in a program related to substance use health, addiction or behavioural addictions. Please upload a photo of your student card displaying the current year at the time of registration.
Registration for Conference Presenters
Presenters must complete and pay for their registration by Wednesday, May 28, to secure their spot in the program.
Questions
If you have questions about registering for CCSA’s Issues of Substance, please contact CCSA Event Planner, Andrea Wagner at AWagner@ccsa.ca. Thank you!

Sandra Pronteau - Documentary Screening
2025-11-17 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, a time to honour Indigenous people with disabilities and celebrate them as vital members of our communities. ConnecTra is hosting a documentary screening made by Inclusion BC featuring Sandra Pronteau, a Cree-Metis Indigenous woman who has spent many years advocating from various social issues, from equal education rights to support for Indigenous people with disabilities. At the end, Sandra will participate in a Q&A session.
Monday, November 17, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm
REGISTER HERE

Children in Care - A Group for Parents and Caregivers
2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
A support group for those with kids in care, considering care, or feeling pressured to place their kids in care.
Only families who have experienced this unique journey truly understand the challenges it brings. Whether due to removal, a special needs agreement, or a voluntary care agreement, placing a child with extra support needs into the Ministry’s care is an incredibly difficult and emotional decision. Families often face feelings of guilt, judgment, and isolation during this process. You’re not alone. Join us for an open and heartfelt conversation with other families who share your experience. This is a space for parents and caregivers to connect, share, and support one another without fear of judgment.
Let’s come together to find hope, resilience, and connection.
** PLEASE NOTE: This meeting is reserved for families with a member with a disability and self advocates only ** Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability.
FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

Let's Talk: How Babies Learn Language
2025-11-19 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
This workshop provides: valuable insights into infant language learning. Parents and caregivers can learn practical, evidence-based techniques to foster your child’s language skills during these pivotal early years. Recommended for caregivers of children aged 0-2.
REGISTER HERE

ADHD X Autism: “The Similarities and Differences” - Free webinar
2025-11-19 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Join Adult Autism Centre & Adult ADHD Centre for a free, live webinar—ADHD X Autism: “The Similarities and Differences”—on Wednesday, November 19, 2025!
Gain insights from Dr. Anita Parhar and Dr. Gurdeep Parhar as they explore the connections, similarities, and distinctions between ADHD and autism.

Open the Door - A three part series designed to transform the mental health system
2025-11-19 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Open the Door – A three part series designed to transform the mental health system.
Parents are fighting for their children’s lives within a mental health system steeped in stigma. They are scared, isolated, and exhausted, caught in a cycle of navigating a fragmented system that fails to meet their needs.
Their plea is clear: accessible, comprehensive care with long-term support.
In our first session, we heard powerful stories and introduced a framework for change. Now, we’re building on that foundation with a solutions-focused process that brings families, community leaders, and policymakers into honest dialogue.
This next phase is about turning ideas into action—working together to improve access to mental health services in BC. Ahead of the session, we’ll share guiding questions to help participants reflect on system barriers and potential policy or practice changes.
Together, let’s open the door to support families, inform policy, and build a future where every child can thrive.
REGISTER HERE
